Disaster recovery grants now available for the Kimberley region

The shires of Derby-West Kimberley, Broome, Wyndham-East Kimberley, and Halls Creek are eligible for assistance measures through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Eligible costs include assistance measures for individuals and families, businesses, primary producers, non-profit organisations, and local and state governments.

Under these arrangements, state governments determine what assistance measures will be activated and the areas in which they will be made available.

This funding can be allocated to emergency assistance, temporary living expenses, replacement of essential household goods, housing repairs, and personal and financial counselling assistance.

Ex-tropical cyclone Ellie crossed into Western Australia from the Northern Territory on 28 December 2022.

Since 30 December, widespread rainfall totals between 200–500 mm have been recorded across the Kimberley region.

Major flooding has occurred along the Fitzroy River to Fitzroy Crossing, reaching record levels of 15.81 m.

Major roads and associated infrastructure have been damaged and floodwaters have isolated towns including Fitzroy Crossing and many remote indigenous communities along the Fitzroy River.

Some local communities have chosen to relocate to safer areas until the threat passes. Community infrastructure and homes have also been impacted by the event.

Western Australian Premier, Mark McGowan, said the flooding was unprecedented for the Kimberley region and had wrought devastating impacts on local homes, businesses, and communities and the recovery process would take some time.

“This is a once-in-a-century event so the State and Federal Governments will work for as long as it takes to ensure communities recover and rebuild,” he said.

“We’ll continue to work cooperatively with the Federal Government to get support out to the communities affected and I thank everyone who has been assisting in the response for their efforts.”

Western Australian Minister for Emergency Services, Stephen Dawson, said the Western Australian government had been in regular contact with the federal government to fast-track the activation of the DRFA, which will provide much-needed support for the community.

“While our primary focus has been on ensuring people’s lives and livelihoods, we must eventually pivot to recovery actions and support,” he said.

“With this in mind, we have been working closely with the Commonwealth Government to make sure people in impacted communities will have access to Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.”